Annual safety checks on tourist boats begin
By Kritsada Mueanhawong
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Marine Office has begun making their annual inspections of boats and ferries carrying tourists out of Rassada Pier to ensure their safety during the New Year holiday.

More than 13,000 locals and tourists are expected to depart from the island’s piers during this holiday’s long weekend.

“Passengers’ safety remains our top priority. Boats must not carry more than their maximum capacity,” said Phuripat Theerakulpisut, acting director of the Marine Office Region 5. “They also must be equipped with enough life jackets for everyone on board.”

“All passengers, especially on speedboats, must be wearing life jackets or else the boat will not be allowed to depart.”

Speedboat operators have also been warned not to breach the 5-knot speed limit in congested areas, particularly when approaching or departing from Rassada and Chalong piers.

Full Story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Annual-safety-checks-tourist-boats-begin/62761?desktopversion#ad-image-0

-- Phuket Gazette 2015-30-12

I think - it's all BS publicity ...

And better late than never. What about the people who have made the trip in the recent past? Ckok Dee Krahp! And don't get me started on the "annual" cycle.

Good to see Alan Morrison wearing a red shirt, and checking the boat out for trafficked Rohingya people.